Members of the defunct The Osun Progressives (TOP), who are loyalists of former Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared their unwavering support for the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Munirudeen Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its leader, Adeniran Ajala, the group announced its return to the mainstream APC under the new banner Osun Progressives Ambassadors. The reintegration follows what the group described as years of political miscalculations and a renewed commitment to the progressive ideals that benefit the people of Osun State.
“We aligned with TOP with the hope of correcting grey areas and strengthening the party, but later discovered that the platform had become a vehicle for personal vendetta aimed at undermining the chances of the progressive family in the state,” Ajala said. “After careful reflection, we have chosen to return to the APC to work collectively for the progress and development of our dear state.”
The reintegration process was facilitated by Adegboyega Oyetola, son of the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy. The group was warmly received by prominent APC leaders, including a Special Adviser to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Rasak Adeosun; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bayo Adeleke; and the Osun APC Youth Leader, Goke Akinwomimo, among others.
Femi Oyetola, a senatorial aspirant, who was represented by his campaign Director-General, Kehinde Ayantunji, commended the group’s bold decision and urged them to work diligently for the success of the party in the forthcoming election.
He described the 2026 governorship poll as a defining moment for the APC in Osun State and called on all party members, particularly the youths, to fully accommodate the returning members at all levels.
Ajala reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the election of Hon. Munirudeen Oyebamiji and the overall success of the APC in future elections, describing the move as a strategic step towards consolidating progressive forces in the state.